Government of the State of Eritrea launches key documents to accelerate delivery of healthcare services and attainment of UHC in Eritrea.

Asmara, Eritrea – The United Nations in Eritrea joined Government officials in a high-profile event for the launch of four strategic documents: The National Health Sector Strategic Development Plan 2022-26 (HSSDP III) and its Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, the Essential Health Care Package (2021), and the National Action Plan for Health Security 2022-26 (NAPHS) on 28 April 2022. The launch event was attended by the senior officials from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Ministry of Land Water and Environment, Ministry of Finance and National Development, and the Ministry of Local Government among others. In addition, there was a high-level representation from the United Nations family including the UN Resident Coordinator, the WHO Representative, the UNICEF Representative and the UNFPA Representative. 

Key Note Address

In her keynote address the Minister of Health, Honorable Amina Nurhussien noted that the documents are important costed tools that will guide the country to achieve the Universal Health Coverage (UHC). She added that through the strong Primary Health Care (PHC) base, Eritrea has made remarkable progress in the health sector since 1991 and has achieved the health MDG targets which lay a strong foundation to achieve SDG 3 by 2030. The Honorable Minister informed the participants that the HSSDP III was designed to provide strategic guidance for 5 years and will contribute to the socio-economic growth of the country while the Essential Health Coverage (EHCP) will guide the provision of health services at all levels of the health facilities. She further noted that the NAPHS will be the guiding document for health emergencies.  While thanking the MOH personnel and the partners including WHO for their commitment and contribution to the formulation of these documents, the Minister called on all Government officials and partners to be committed to the implementation of these strategic documents to make a difference.

The HSSDP III was developed with technical support from the WHO/AFRO and WHO Country office.  The plan is based on primary health care principles and the strategic objectives specified are in line with the National Health Policy priorities and are aimed at achieving SDG 3 targets and Universal Health Package. The Essential Health Care Package (EHCP) is key for the HSSDP III implementation because it clearly outlines the services that are expected to be delivered at each level of the health system to ensure UHC and SDG 3 achievement. It comprehensively defines the interventions that people of each age cohort need for their health and wellbeing. The National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) is an important document for contributing to the resilience of the health system and is crucial for strengthening the implementation of Internal Health Regulations and Health Security.

During the launching ceremony, the Heads of Agency for the UN partners working in the health sector congratulated the Minister of Health for the development of these documents and pledged their support for the implementation. They emphasized that it will be important to ensure that there is an effective monitoring for the implementation of the documents and SDGs at all levels. The WHO Representative supported by the UN Resident Coordinator called for more Government flexibility for the implementation of the launched plans.